Empress Pavilion for dinner

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Empress Pavilion for dinner

Several people on this board have asked about what to order at Empress at dinnertime. I hadn't been for a long time and finally went back this past Sunday and thought I'd do a quick write up for those who want to know.

Started with a mix cold cuts plate that included char siu, jellyfish and beef. I thought the Char Siu was a bit fatty but the jellyfish nice and crisp. Peking Duck that came next was wonderful - crispy tasty fatty skin with juicy meat and soft bread. Expertly carved as each piece of skin included just a sliver of meat. Definitely my fav of the night. We also ordered Salt-and-Pepper shrimp (a bit on the salty side), Fried Tofu with Scallop (very good), Beef Stew (also very good), Bok Choy with 2 Mushrooms (bland and very small portions) and Whole Steamed Fish (perfectly cooked and very very fresh).

Dessert was mixed - mango pudding was so-so: lots of vanilla flavor and not much mango. Their version of Almond Jello though was just right - jello was just the right texture (not too hard, not too soft).

Service was very attentive, which was suprising becuase I usually find that the service at dim sum is a bit lacking. I think though that the reason for that as well as the food quality was becuase there were very few patrons that night. There was a small party of about 6 tables and then maybe 10 more or so regular diners. Whatever the case, it was definitely a good experience.

Wanted to also mention that their version of XO sauce is outstanding. It costs probably about $5-10 a little dish but it's chockful of scallops and chilies and other goodies and is nice and hot. I was eating it plain as a side dish :)

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